Sedgley Park Primary School gets 'good' Ofsted rating

A Prestwich school is celebrating a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors, which upgraded its rating to “good”.

The headteacher of Sedgley Park Primary School in Kings Road, Mr Patrick Reid, said the verdict showed the progress the school had made since 2012 when it received a “satisfactory” rating.

He said: “We are all very pleased with the report because it recognises the ability and attitude of the children, staff, parents and governors, who have all worked hard over many years to reach this tremendous level.”

In his report, lead inspector Desmond Stubbs said: “Pupils make good progress from their very low starting points and are well prepared for high school. The most-able pupils make outstanding progress and the proportion reaching above-average attainment is high.

“Most teaching is good and, in years 5 and 6, it is outstanding. Thorough planning ensures activities provide good levels of challenge for all pupils.”

Inspectors also praised teaching assistants for providing high-quality support to teachers; the behaviour, punctuality and attendance of pupils; and the strength of the school’s leadership.

The report added: “Pupils display a thirst for learning and they appreciate the effort teachers make to ensure learning is fun. This is a harmonious school where pupils from a range of different minority ethnic groups get along very well.”

Inspectors said the school could obtain the top grade of ‘outstanding’ at the next inspection — probably in 2017 — if marking in English improves and if the school uses technology more effectively to support learning.

Mr Reid said: “The report has been a big boost to everyone at the school.

“For me, one of the most pleasing aspects of it was the part about children having a thirst for knowledge.

“I am very proud that the standard of teaching has been praised and I am confident that next time we will be in a position to reach the ‘outstanding’ level overall.

“We were already aware of the requirements to improve marking of writing and our governors were already aware of the points raised about technology and will be able to make the required investment.”